DISEASES

At least 25% of Americans between 15 and 55 will get at least one sexually transmitted infection.

You would be surprised at how many people swing, or have sex without educating themselves on diseases. I am sure we have all had sex with someone without FIRST asking them if they had any diseases. About 12 million Americans pick up a sexually transmitted disease each year. The most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States is HPV, Human Papilloma Virus, more commonly called Genital Warts or Venereal Warts. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have this virus. Many don't even know it, but they can spread it. This means that simply asking someone if they have an STD really is useless. What's more disturbing? If you go and get "tested" for STD's, they do not test for HPV. Once you get HPV, you have it for life. Sure, you can get rid of the warts if you have any, but you may still be carrying the virus. And it may reappear years later. The second most common STD is Genital Herpes (HSV). Over 45 Million people have it. click here for source) That's the equivalent of 1 in every 5 people. Both HSV and HPV are viruses that are essentially incurable. Once you get it, you're stuck with it for life.

Many people ask how to protect against diseases. Since most STD's can be spread simply by skin to skin contact, it is almost impossible to protect yourself from STD's. I always suggest "monogamous swinging". What do I mean by that? Find a couple or single that you enjoy being with, and swing ONLY with them. Be sure that they agree to swing only with you. If, at any time, someone no longer wants to remain monogamous, the risk increases significantly. I suggest that the swinging relationship be terminated in this case for safety reasons. Before you start swinging with anyone, make sure that they are tested for as many diseases as possible. The usual tests are for HIV, HPV, HSV, Syphilis (RPR), Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. If you would like more information, please call the numbers below, or visit some other links.

National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922

The Herpes Resource Center Hotline: (919) 361-8488

Herpes Info

HPV (Genital Warts) Info

CDC Disease Information

If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail them to us.